A top Gaza Arab terrorist was reportedly killed Tuesday night in a firefight between terrorists and IDF soldiers, Gaza sources said. The terrorist, Khaled Sahoud, a commander in the Popular Front terror group, was part of a group of terrorists that attempted to ambush IDF troops and vehicles near the Kissufim crossing Tuesday night. Two other terrorists were injured in the operation, Gaza sources said.

The terrorists had planned to open fire on an IDF patrol as it passed, and had planted roadside bombs that were to explode when their vehicles passed near the crossing. IDF troops and helicopters foiled the attack before the terrorists could surprise them, an IDF official told reporters.

IDF officials said that helicopters and ground troops attacked the terror cell, which shot at Israeli troops and fired mortar shells at soldiers. No Israelis were injured, but several of the terrorists were hurt in the helicopter strike, among them Sahoud, who was killed. Troops also operated on the ground, neutralizing the bombs planted by the terrorists.

A Shin Bet report issued Monday said that there had been a dramatic increase in security incidents in August – 178, compared to 53 in July. Most of those incidents – 134 – involved the firing of missiles and rockets by Gaza Arab terrorists at Israeli targets. In July, terrorists fired 20 Kassam rockets and 2 mortar shells at Israeli targets.

Out of the total number of incidents, 135 originated in Gaza. That figure includes the attack near Eilat, in which 8 Israelis were killed and 29 injured. There was also an increase in security incidents in Judea and Samaria in August – 30, compared to 25 in July.